Showing 1 - 10 of 15
A 'Nimby' problem
Oped, Editorial, Published on 08/05/2018
» A major local problem has arisen in the deep South. It is a direct outgrowth of the past 13 years of violence, but the problem is a peaceful one. Some 105 people who fled to Malaysia now wish to return. They are currently stateless, and the army has plans to resettle them under a programme called Pha Khon Klub Ban (Bring People Home). The problem is that the army failed to secure support of residents in the district where the resettlement is to occur. Panare district of Pattani which houses the temporary resettlement site is strongly opposed to this project.
Covid reality not as rosy
Oped, Editorial, Published on 13/10/2021
» On Monday evening, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced in a televised broadcast that the government will reopen the country in November. The decision, which he described as a "small but important step", will see fully vaccinated tourists from 10 low-risk countries allowed to enter Thailand without having to quarantine.
South merits special care
Oped, Editorial, Published on 14/10/2021
» As the Prayut Chan-o-cha government is determined to reopen the country on Nov 1, it needs to take into account the pandemic situation in the South, where the outbreak situation remains volatile.
RTP's missing tycoon fiasco
Oped, Editorial, Published on 25/11/2021
» The disappearance of a tycoon at the centre of an oil smuggling and money laundering racket in the South just hours after his arrest early this month dealt a heavy blow to the Royal Thai Police (RTP). His high-profile escape drew public attention and tarnished the battered reputation of the justice system.
Path to peace needs respect
Oped, Editorial, Published on 05/05/2022
» The relatively calm Ramadan in the restive deep South reminds us that peaceful dialogue, not arm-twisting or fighting battles, is the real recipe for ending conflicts.
Isoc in need of oversight
Oped, Editorial, Published on 06/09/2022
» The phenomenon of "ghost recruitment" has cast a long shadow over how the government spends tax money to recruit staff to work in restive southernmost provinces.
Chuan case could backfire
Oped, Editorial, Published on 28/10/2022
» House Speaker Chuan Leekpai was indicted on Tuesday by the public prosecutor, three days before the case is due to expire, under a suit brought by fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who accuses him of defamation.
Tourism fee has promise
Oped, Editorial, Published on 21/04/2023
» Despite taking considerable flak for floating the policy, Tourism and Sport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has made it clear the Thailand Tourism Fee will be levied from September.
Southern discomfort
Oped, Editorial, Published on 17/06/2023
» A mock referendum campaign by a group of Muslim students in the deep South on separatism has triggered panic across the kingdom. The move is highly sensitive and risks breaching Section 1 of the charter which says that Thailand is an indivisible kingdom.
Decree no longer a help
Oped, Editorial, Published on 17/10/2023
» Today, the cabinet will decide whether to renew the emergency decree for the deep southern provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. The decision will show whether the Srettha government has the audacity to change a hitherto hard-line security policy in the region.